The NBA All-Star weekend is finally here. The super jam-packed weekend where you can experience the NBA up-close kicks off on February 16. If you’re thinking of heading out to the hoopla but don’t really know where to start, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of the biggest, and most exciting events happening during All-Star weekend:

KickStart Rising Stars Practice – Friday, Feb 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Ever wonder what a pro basketball practice looks like? Well, this is pretty much as close as you can get. Top rookies and second-year players warm up at the LA Convention Center before Friday night’s big game. Tickets range from $25 to $50 and can be purchased here.

NBA Crossover – Friday, Feb 16 – Sunday, Feb 18

This fan-experience will let you see the Larry O’Brien trophy up close, shoot 3-pointers with Stephen Curry and even experience the paparazzi-filled walk that NBA players experience when entering the arena before their big game. Oh, and there’s a bar. Need we ask for more? This event at The Majestic in Downtown LA is free, but you must pre-register.
Read more about NBA Crossover and the best parts of the pop-up here.

NBA Celebrity All-Star Game – Friday, Feb 16 at 4 p.m.

Celebrating this year’s game with a Los Angeles theme, the teams will be dubbed Lakers and Clippers. Common, Jamie Foxx, Bubba Watson and Justin Bieber will all be playing and/or coaching during the Celebrity game. Tickets are sold out but the game will be streamed live on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.

Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars Game – Friday, Feb 16 at 6 p.m.

Rookies and second-year players will battle it out at Staples Center. Ten rising stars from the US will play against 10 rising stars from across the globe. The Lakers players, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma, are set to play on the US team. The game will be broadcast on TNT and ESPN radio. Tickets are still available for this one and you can purchase them here.

NBA All-Star Media Day – Saturday, Feb 17 at 11:30 a.m.

What was once normally reserved for media only, is now open to fans. You can get an up-close look at your favorite NBA players as they’re interviewed by national and international media. This is a first for NBA All-Star Weekend so tickets are unfortunately sold-out, but you can check out other events here.

Slam Dunk Contest – Saturday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.

Four players will be competing in what is arguably the most physically extravagant event during the All-Star weekend. Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz; Larry Nance Jr., a former Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers player; Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers, who also competed in 2015; and Dennis Smith Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks. Both Mitchell and Smith will also be competing in the Kickstart Rising Stars Game. This event also includes the Taco Bell Bell Skills Challenge and the JBL Three-Point Contests.

NBA G League International Challenge – Sunday, Feb. 18 at 12:30 p.m.

Top talent from USA’s minor league will challenge Mexico’s National Team. This game will also include a Slam Dunk event during pre-game and half-time. Tickets are available here.

NBA All-Star Game – Sunday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Team LeBron vs. Team Stephen, who will take home the coveted win? LeBron James of the Cavaliers and Stephen Curry of the Warriors lead 10 fan-picked players on each time for a premium talent showcase that caps off this All-Star weekend. Some tickets are still available at StubHub, and other ticket exchange services, but be prepared to shell-out a pretty penny. The game will broadcast on TNT, in case you can’t get your hand on those tickets.

Maria Cavassuto is a Social Media Producer for Southern California News Group with a special focus on Orange County communities. She creates and shares content via social media channels. She also assists digital news editors and reporters with their social media efforts. She has an M.S. in Journalism from USC's Annenberg. Prior to SCNG, she was at Variety and AfterbuzzTV. In her spare time, you can find her at the movies, at the gym or checking out local restaurants.